Joined
·
462 Posts
Make sure you are in the "ACC" position, and not in the "RUN" position!
In the ACC position, you should get at least a few hours of safe radio listening power, with DVD maybe an hour.
Have the battery reserve capacity 'load tested' at your local auto parts store. It is often a free service (it sells batteries).
I don't know if "aftermarket" batteries are much better. Our previous minivan, a 2000 T&C Ltd (loaded w/accessories), would require a replacement battery every 45 months or so. And these were 60-72 month rated batteries.The factory battery is the cheapest one that Chrysler could get away with. You may want to consider a higher capacity unit. I have the biggest one I could find in my 94 GC. Just my $0.02.
FredB
This would be the best course of action. My preference would be to use a clamp-on Amp meter on the main battery terminal ground wire and observe the current draw initially and after all timers have timed out. Just the inside ceiling lights draw quite a bit during the time they are on before the timer shuts them off (each time a door is opened and closed). With all that is equipped on this vehicle, you will need the highest capacity battery that will fit. Even with that, you may find that 30 minutes is the longest you can listen to the CD player. Keep in mind that there is always a small amount of current going to the radio, TV, ECM, BCM, clocks, security, etc. to keep memory.To explore this further, I'd put an ammeter between the battery post and battery terminal to see how much current these accessories are drawing.
Start with the ign off to measure IOD (ign off draw), then turn the key to ACC with the radio off to measure that, then turn the radio on and measure that.
You can then play a DVD to see how much more current that takes.
I'd be interested in knowing. A 0-10 amp scale should be plenty if you don't crank the starter and DRL's (if equipped) are off.
the battery in my 08 says 18 months. i started have a little trouble mine too. I know in spring of 09 I could sit through 2 movies at the drive in with the hatch and doors open ant the radio all the way up, and now if i move it to the street so the kids can play it will barely start and I have to drive it around the neiborhood to charge it up.
Mick